They were losers - just like we are losers - to Private Bonespurs. But what a story!
My wife and I just finished watching a show on Tubi that every veteran should watch if they have never seen it before. It is called "The Hello Girls". Funny name but not a funny story. It is about the Army recruiting and sending overseas during WW1 - YES, the first World War - American women in uniform who manned the telephone switchboards even at the front lines.
They were real heroes! They went over before most soldiers did and came home after most soldiers had left. They served their country in uniform but were denied, not only any benefits, but any recognition for what they did. It was only in 1979, long after nearly all had passed away, did they finally receive recognition and discharge papers but never any veterans benefits or pay for what they did. Two of the 223 did not come home from the War.
Awesome story. Interviews with their daughters and granddaughters, some of whom still had the uniforms that these women wore as well as letters from General Pershing appreciating what they had done.
They risked their lives, volunteering to serve their country and were not acknowledged for it. I was shocked to find out about them for the first time this evening.
Please watch it! It will break your heart to find out what little recognition they got for what they did.
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